​​Can I apply if I am a New Zealand Resident, but not a New Zealand citizen?

​Who can provide my academic reference and what should it cover?

​Who can provide my personal reference and what should it cover?

​Should references be included with my application, or sent directly from the referees?

​Will you contact my referees directly?

​What can the scholarship be used for?

​Can I provide photocopies of my academic transcripts, and do these need to be certified copies?

​What forms of identification of citizenship are accepted, and does this need to be a certified copy?

Can I apply if I am not yet enrolled to study in the next academic year?

1. Can I apply if I am a New Zealand Resident, but not a New Zealand citizen

Unfortunately not. The terms of the scholarship are restricted to New Zealand citizens only. Australian citizenship is not sufficient for these purposes.

2. Who can provide my academic reference and what should it cover?

​​The academic reference should primarily focus on your academic aptitude for the course of study you are wanting to take.For students who are currently studying, the reference is usually provided by current tutors but it can be provided by anyone who is able to comment on your aptitude for learning and studying at a tertiary level.​We appreciate that some applicants are applying to the trust after several years of working or family caregiving, and indeed one of the purposes of the Trust is to support women to make this step in tertiary-level learning. So the trustees take a flexible approach to who the academic referee is; a work supervisor, manager or trainer from some other learning type situations (night school, language classes etc.) is fine. In these cases it will be helpful to add a note to your application explaining why you have asked this individual to be a referee rather than a tutor.

3. Who can provide my personal reference and what should it cover?

The personal reference should focus on your personal qualities, values and approach to life.Your personal referee should not be a family member, but otherwise it can be provided by anyone who knows you well in a personal capacity - a friend, work colleague, fellow volunteer etc. Ideally your personal referee should have known you for at least 5 years.

4. Should references be included with my application, or sent directly from the referees?

It is easier for the Secretary if your references are included with the rest of your application papers. However if your referees prefer to send the reference directly please ask them to send six paper copies to the Secretary, at the same address provided on the application form.

5. Will you contact my referees directly?

If you are shortlisted for a potential scholarship we may, on occasion, contact one or both of your referees if we need to confirm any of the information in your application.

6. What can the scholarship be used for?

The scholarship is not tied to any specific study expense. Successful recipients are able to use the scholarship in the way that best supports them in continuing their studies. This includes fees, living expenses, travel expenses, childcare costs or books and equipment needed for your course of study.

7. Can I provide photocopies of my academic transcripts, and do these need to be certified copies?

Photocopies or unofficial transcripts are fine. These do not need to be certified when you submit your application, but if you are selected for a scholarship we reserve the right to seek certified copies before making any payment (if necessary).

8. What forms of identification of citizenship are accepted, and does this need to be a certified copy?

Any official document that confirms your New Zealand citizenship will be accepted - usually this will be a birth certificate or passport. Note that a driving licence cannot be used to verify citizenship. Your identification does not need to be certified when you submit your application, but if you are selected for a scholarship we reserve the right to request a certified copy before making any payment (if necessary).

9. Can I apply if I am not yet enrolled to study in the next academic year?

You may still apply for the Betty Loughhead Soroptimist Scholarship if you are in the process of applying for study next year. All scholarships are awarded subject to confirmation of acceptance into your selected course of study and we appreciate this may often not be available until later in the year, after applications are due.